Review: Bali Comfort Revolution Wirefree Bra

Bali just keeps on expanding the Comfort Revolution line, which has long contained my most reliable bralette. Unfortunately, they seem to lack imagination when it comes to naming the different models, so you really have to pay close attention to figure out what you're getting.

The main difference is non-removable foam padding, which I generally do not want. But there are other subtle differences between the padded models.

This version is a bra, and it looks just like the bralettes from the outside. But the structure is quite different.

Beauty

Available in lots and lots of colors and subtle tonal patterns. This is Cement Gray, which is sort of a greige.

Comfort & Support

CUPS. The main difference between the bra & bralette version is that the foam in the bra is slightly thicker and more molded. Nothing like a T-shirt bra; it's still very thin and flexible. It's a very soft, rounded shape, but with a definite apex. The cups have some stretch, but it's limited by the foam lining; still, it's enough to allow the cups to accommodate my full-on-top shape with no cutting in or double-bubble.

Another difference is that the bra version has casing under the cups. This is the stitched channel where an underwire would normally be inserted. It just gives a small amount of structure and support from below. The fabric and stitching is soft enough for my sensitive skin.

SUPPORT. Here's what unique about this bra that I wasn't expecting. It doesn't really give much support - but it looks as if it does, beneath clothing. The lift and shape provided by the thin molded foam is enough to rival the look of an underwired, non-pushup T-shirt bra. You can see here what I mean:

The weight of my boobs is clearly dragging down the cup and snug band a bit....but magically, the shape and lift look good. I also like the very low sides as this is the area that tall bands and seams really impact my sensitive skin the most.

Compromises

STRAPS. Just as all the others in the Bali Comfort Revolution collection, the straps are a nice, moderate width, but the turned-under seams are not soft and not very comfy. Because the band is actually doing more than it appears, there is not a lot of extra weight put onto the strap, so it's not a deal-breaker for me. But if I had any sewing talent, I would stitch a soft lining to the underside of the straps.

When Do I Wear It?

When I want to look supported and nip-free, but don't want to be supported by actual underwire or or a heavy wire-free structure. So under a thin knit sweater or clingy T-shirt, when I will be sitting a lot, perhaps in a professional situation like a video meeting. This style has turned out to be useful more often than I expected.

Sizing

This is in actual bra sizing - that's another distinction between the bras/bralettes. Bali is a US brand and the usual rule of thumb applies: bands run more snug and cups more generous than in Euro or UK sizing. I am a 40H US/Euro and 40G UK. A 42DD works fine for me and I can wear it on the loosest hook, which gives you an idea of how easily you can sister-side into this.

Price Point: under $25 on Amazon

Review: Delimira Wireless bra

It's been a long while since I've reviewed any actual bras here. That's because since the pandemic began I've been working from home in yoga pants and bralettes. My OG standbys 32 Degrees and Bali Revolution have been all I've needed during this unprecedented time of quarantine. My own state continues to lead the nation in Covid cases (oh, the pride) and since I don't fancy being medivaced down to Seattle for 20K, I won't be eating in restaurants any time soon or going anywhere that merits an actual bra.

Still, there are times I need a bit more support and want something with more bra and less 'lette'.

Beauty

That's It. Right there. That tonal embroidery and odd V-neck strip of lace. That's all you get.

I opted for Mochaccino over the dreaded beige, but that's as flamboyant as this style gets.

Hahahahaha. OK, yes, I know: this baby is a flat-out frump fest. But stay with me if comfort is your jam. Because this generic version of the Triumph Doreen, which, since the 1950s, has consistently been the most popular bra in the world, is a comfy workhorse. 

I've been aware of the Doreen for a long time. It was popular in the early-80s, when I was in high school; it was a favorite of friends when I was in the Philippines for my foreign exchange year. Back then, I was all about thin, silky, front-close triangle bras and would never have worn this style; I just thought it was a funny retro thing. Then in the early-90s, when I lived in the UK, my 30-yr-old neighbor loved this style. By then, I was all about my Vanity Fair underwires, so again, I passed. Fast-forward 30 years, many lbs, sensitive skin, and bigger boobs later, & I've reconsidered.

Comfort

FABRIC. Satiny nylon on the outside means clothes will glide smoothly. Cotton lining on the inside means soothing comfort for sensitive skin and a huge win if you're in a hot, sticky climate.

CUPS. Old school 3-part seamed design. A more diagonal seam will always give a better shape. That horizontal seam does no boob shape any favors, but in this case, it also doesn't do much harm. The cups are generous and, while not stretchy, they do have a bit of give. They are not actively flattening my full-on-top boobs - and while not exactly flattering my natural shape, they are also not cutting into it, which is always a nice surprise. But the biggest plus for me is that the seams are flat and smooth; not rough or irritating in any way.

BAND. Smooth, soft fabric; no nasty, rough power-mesh here. It also nice and low at the sides, so no chafing or cutting into soft skin there.

STRAPS. Very nicely done. Soft and wide, with no sharp, cutting edges. And no obnoxious ring connectors to dig in.

Shape

Mediocre and acceptable. Not round, but not pointy, either. But that horizontal seam is going to be visible in anything but a chunky sweater, including the thin sweater I'm wearing below.

Oh, & that's the other hobby I've been working on during the pandemic: growing out my silver curls.

When Do I Wear It?

When I want more support than a soft bralette can give, especially in terms of bounce control and lift, but I don't want bust out the underwire. I wouldn't choose this for a thin T-shirt, but it's fine under cotton blouses or loose sweaters. This is what I'd choose if faced with a long day at work, followed by going out afterward, with no time to go home and change. I might choose it for travel if faced with a lot of walking to connecting flights where bounce control and firmer support would be welcome

Price Point: around $25

Sizing: my usual with Delimira. I went up to a 42F, which fits me like a 40G UK, or 40H US.

Review: Lume Deodorant

I've tried a lot of new natural deodorants during the pandemic because I've been working from home, which makes it the perfect time. Because there's only myself to offend if they fail.

Recap: I started on my epic quest to find non-aluminum deodorants when I suddenly developed an angry allergic reaction to the Dove solid I'd used for the last decade or so. Which left me pretty dismayed since I'm kinda crunchy, but in a very pragmatic way. Deodorant is one thing that simply needs to work, and chemicals are a lesser consideration for me.

 

I had high hopes for Lume, since I like cream formulas and you can use this anywhere on the body. Not a feature I was looking for, but cool nonetheless. I tried a sample pack so I could try five scents.

The first thing I noticed was that this is not a cream like Type:A is, but rather a watery, slow-drying lotion, like Drunk Elephant. The second thing I discovered is that all of the scents share the same underlying scent, a kind of cloying, cling to the back of. your throat, chemical undertone. I noticed the same thing beneath the pleasant almond scent of Drunk Elephant. I assume this is due to the ingredient of mandelic acid that both share. And unfortunately, the third thing I learned is that this ingredient simply doesn't work on me. I mean, at all.

Rating: 2/10.  Thats right. On a scale of 10 hours, Lume worked for 2 hours. And that's time spent typing on my sofa - not mowing the lawn or going to the gym. Just sitting here, respirating and typing. 

The upside is that once you know a main ingredient does not work for you, you can strike all other products based on that from your list. So anything with mandelic acid is a complete fail for me: Drunk Elephant, Lume, Kopari, etc. These are all very spendy as well, so that saves me time and money. Since I'm not about to risk baking soda on my sensitive skin, that really just leaves the magnesium-based options, which have been effective to varying degrees. 

32 Degrees Comfort Racerback bralette

The 32 Degrees bralettes have been my best quarantine find. All of them are incredibly comfy. And ridiculously affordable at under $10. I tried them on a whim, not expecting much, as I do not fit into the brand's size range. But am I ever glad that the bralettes are an exception to that.



There are four or five colors available and I chose this one in soft violet and another in navy. I am also pathetically overjoyed when offered options other than black, white, or the dreaded beige.

Fabric:  A thick, very soft, very stretchy nylon/spandex. The thickness was a nice surprise, as it is enough to increase the support while still allowing for all kinds of shapes. It is a different feel from the buttery modal of the fabulous 32 Degrees Cool Bralette

Seams and Band: Non-obnoxious! Band is not loose and is of the same fabric as cups; no exposed elastic. Seams are not irritating and are quite small, but, being me -with the most sensitive skin of well, anyone I've ever met- I do flip the bralette inside out for ultimate comfort. It is tagless, so bonus there.

Shape: a soft, rounded shape, on the better end of what you can reasonably expect from a soft, wireless bralette.



Sizing.   A pleasant surprise, indeed. The XXL easily accommodates my 40H full-on-top boobs. And the band is not too big, either. If you're a 34-38F/G, then the XL should give you plenty of room.

Compromises:  although these are certainly comfier than most, I am not a fan of racerback straps. At a larger cup size, they just put more weight on the neck/inner shoulder than I prefer. I find that I get tired of that after 6 hours or so.

When Do I Wear It?  When I want another option from the Cool Bralette, which I am tempted to wear every single day.

Note: Also, all of the 32 Degree bralettes come with those ridiculous little foam frisbee nippy covers. Luckily, they are designed to just slide out, so I do that immediately. I now have a huge stack of them, and am trying to figure out some upcycle purpose for these useless foam discs.

Review: 32 Degrees Cool Bralette

I was actually looking to try the Flowy Camisole, but grabbed the 32 Degrees Cool Bralette on impulse because it was on sale for $8. Once I tried it, I went back and grabbed two more. Which is a spoiler alert that it worked out.

Beauty

Ruching and delicate straps (more on those later) lend an understated prettiness to an otherwise plain style.

Comfort & Fit

Straps.  I was not expecting this to work as they are soooo thin - literally, spaghetti straps. Adjustable, with tiny sliders. Frankly, it's a silly design choice and usually a recipe for cutting in and discomfort. And, of course, it still would have been far better with wider straps. However, in this case it actually works because of .....

Band.  The band is tall. In fact, it is the same height as the cups, all the way around. This means it functions pretty much as a strapless bandeau would, rendering the silly tiny straps superfluous. I still dislike tall bands, but in this case it works because of ...

Fabric.  Buttery soft modal and seamless. I can't comment on its cooling properties since it's the middle of the Alaskan winter, but the fabric is wonderfully soft and makes even soft cotton seem rough by comparison.

Support.  I was surprised by the amount of light support it provided. Due to the height of the back and the 1" bottom band - completely covered in fabric - the bralette is really anchored.

There is no smooshing and the uniboob is a little less than usual, thanks to the ruching. I certainly don't have to rearrange every hour, like I do with the Calvin Klein bralette.

Shape.  I get a soft, round shape. Natural and without lift.

When Do I Wear It

I totally wear this outside the house, usually under a sweater or hoodie. It also combines well with jammies and soft cardigans, i.e. pandemic workwear. The straps look prettier peeking out than most do. It's definitely comfy enough to sleep in, if that's your thing. I might wear it under a looser T-shirt, but you'll likely prefer something more shaping under anything form-fitting.

Sizing.  XXL.  (range is XS-XXL) It's pretty impressive that there is enough cup capacity for big boobs. I'd say that the XXL would fit 38F-42G (US). I'm a 40H and it's rare to find a good fit in this kind of generic size range.

Price Point.  Currently still on sale for $8. Full price is $18. For the good quality materials and serious comfort, that is a real bargain.

Update: It is now April, and this has become my all-time favorite bralette. I wear it 4 or 5 days a week. And I have found that I do wear it under pretty much everything, and out of the house, too - which has really only consisted of two vaccination appointments, so far. It has replaced my Bali Comfort Revolution because the fabric softness just cannot be beat.